Bachelor of Arts(Politics and Policy Studies)/Bachelor of Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science at Deakin lets you explore two worlds at once — the creativity, culture, and critical thinking of the Arts, combined with the curiosity, discovery, and problem-solving of Science. It’s perfect for students who are naturally curious and want to graduate with two degrees, giving you flexibility to pursue careers that bridge humanities and scientific fields.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 — Laying the foundations
In your first year, you’ll get a strong grounding in both arts and science. Arts units like Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin introduce you to critical thinking and communication, while Science units such as Cells and Genes (SLE111) and Ecology and the Environment (SLE103) help you develop practical lab skills and a scientific mindset. This year is about discovering what excites you and building confidence in both disciplines.

Year 2 — Exploring and building skills
Year 2 lets you dive deeper into your chosen majors. In Arts, you might explore international relations or media and communication, developing analytical and communication skills. In Science, units like Essential Skills in Science (SLE115) and Physics for the Life Sciences (SLE123) refine your lab techniques and broaden your understanding of scientific principles, helping you make connections between the two fields.

Year 3 — Specialising and applying knowledge
By Year 3, you’ll focus on advanced topics. Arts units examine social issues, cultures, or policy, while Science units such as Science and Society (SLE209) and Communicating Science Ideas (SLE200) show how science applies in real-world contexts. Electives allow you to pursue your interests further, tailoring your degree to your future goals.

Year 4 — Finalising expertise and preparing for your career
In your final year, you’ll complete higher-level units in both Arts and Science. You might undertake a Community Science Project or Professional Practice (SLE352 / SLE301) to gain hands-on research experience, while advanced Arts subjects strengthen your critical thinking and communication. Graduating with two degrees equips you with a versatile skill set that is highly attractive to employers.

Focus areas

Interdisciplinary study of human culture and society, scientific discovery and experimentation, critical thinking, research, communication, and applied problem-solving.

Learning outcomes

Graduates gain broad knowledge across arts and science, strong research and analytical skills, practical lab experience, and professional communication abilities, preparing them for diverse careers.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The double degree is recognised at AQF Level 7, with some Science majors professionally accredited, for example, Chemistry by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).

Reputation (employability rankings)

Deakin graduates consistently enjoy excellent employment outcomes, with the university recognised as the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, highlighting the value of this double degree.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying the Arts/Science double degree at Deakin means you’ll gain practical skills that go beyond the classroom. You’ll have the chance to work in cutting-edge science labs, complete hands-on projects, and tackle real-world challenges in your arts subjects. Deakin also supports you in designing internships or placements with employers, giving you real experience and professional connections before you graduate.

Here’s how you’ll put your learning into action:

Industry placements and internships: Elective units allow you to undertake work placements or internships. With over 600 employer partners, you can gain experience that’s directly relevant to your career goals.
Modern science labs: Science units provide practical training in fully equipped laboratories, using current scientific tools and techniques to prepare you for professional work.
Community Science Projects: Some science units involve community-based projects, giving you the opportunity to apply your skills in real research or public outreach initiatives.
Global experiences: You can take part in study tours, international exchanges, or globally-focused internships to broaden your perspective and develop cross-cultural skills.
Arts practical experience: In the Arts stream, you’ll work on projects, research, and creative tasks tied to your major — from media and communication projects to policy research — building practical, career-ready skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science from Deakin University leave with strong analytical thinking, research skills, and communication abilities that are highly valued across many professional fields. These skills open doors to careers where combining scientific insight with critical thinking and cultural understanding is essential. Many graduates go on to work as research analysts, environmental or policy advisors, science communicators, or project officers in government agencies, NGOs, media organisations, and private industry.

The university also provides strong support to help students transition from study into professional careers:

Career support and employability services: Students can access DeakinTALENT, which offers personalised career coaching, one-to-one advice, resume and interview support, job and internship listings, and networking opportunities with employers.

Industry connections: Graduates have opportunities to work with government departments, environmental organisations, research institutions, and community groups. These connections help students build professional networks while they study and after graduation.

Strong graduate employment outcomes: Deakin graduates consistently achieve high employment rates, with many securing meaningful work soon after completing their degree, reflecting the strong reputation of the university among employers. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 65,000 and 85,000 per annum.

Global employability reputation: Deakin is recognised internationally for producing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary expertise, making them highly sought after across diverse sectors.

Internship and industry partnerships: Through Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units, professional placements, and collaboration with over 600 employer partners, students gain practical experience and build career connections before graduation.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, many students choose to continue their studies through postgraduate programs to specialise in a particular area. Graduates often pursue advanced degrees such as a Master of Environmental Science, Master of Public Policy, Master of Communication, or a research master’s in science or social sciences at Deakin, allowing them to move into leadership roles in research, policy, government, industry, and academia.